The past few days we’ve seen great college basketball talent enter their name in this years NBA Draft. In a matter of days, Adnan Hodzic, E’Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson and Gordon Hayward have all declared for the next level. None of the players have hired an agent, allowing them until May 8th to return to college.
North Central graduate and Lipscomb junior Adnan Hodzic declared for the draft after finishing the year 2nd in the nation in scoring. Playing professional basketball may work out for Hodzic, just not in the NBA. He has the toughness but lacks the skills necessary to compete against the best.
E’Twaun Moore out of East Chicago Central is a talented junior guard that would most likely have to make the switch to point guard to make it. Because he has a great shot and can also distribute the ball well, he would be best as a 1/2 combo guard. However this draft is deep at the guard position so I don’t expect Moore to remain in the draft.
JaJuan Johnson from Franklin Central, though undersized, would most likely be a late first round, early second round pick. Johnson has great athletic ability and energy but is not the size of an NBA big man. I’m split on him, but my gut has Johnson staying in the draft.
Finally there is sophomore sensation Gordon Hayward. From Brownsburg, Hayward’s draft stock will never be higher. After Butler won their way to the NCAA National Championship game and a basket away from winning the whole thing, Hayward was seen on the biggest stage. Hayward showed he could compete with the best in the college ranks and has a driving mentality. His shooting this season will likely hurt his stock after shooting under 30% from the field. I have a hard time believing Hayward will return to Butler because he will never be worth more in the pros.
It is important to keep in mind that the collective bargaining agreement will change after this next season which will change future rookie salaries. For Butler and Purdue basketball, the player’s decisions will ultimately affect the success of the team next year.